A poor boy steps in to assist a blind older lady who has lost her wallet and cannot afford the $3 bus fare. He has no idea her son will track him down the next morning. The moonlight streamed in through the cottage window, dimly lighting the room, and Oliver was reading in his bed when he heard his Grandma Anges’ voice. “Dinner’s ready, Oliver,” she said. “Come on, boy!” “Not right now, Grams!” Oliver exhaled a sigh. “I was at the peak!”
Oliver was intrigued as he flipped to the next page of his book in the dim light of his bedside lamp. He didn’t want to put the book down. Nonetheless, he closed the book and went downstairs for dinner. When it came to storybooks, Oliver was a bookworm. He read them every night before dinner, on the city bus to school, and whenever he could. His family and the cottage where he lived were both small. Oliver’s family was formed by Grandma Agnes and his younger sister, Eve.
His mother had died of cancer years before, and his father had abandoned them after that. Everyone held hands, said a brief prayer, and began eating as Oliver sat at the dinner table. He sputtered as he spoke about the detective story he was reading, then wiped his mouth with his sleeve and continued telling the story from the bottom of his heart. When Agnes heard Oliver talk enthusiastically about the books he read, she felt sorry for him.
They were poor, and she was well aware that the money she gave him for lunch was instead spent on those books. Agnes was hurt because the boy was cutting his food. Agnes considered looking for another job so Oliver wouldn’t have to skip lunch, but Eve was young and needed someone to look after her, and Agnes’ health wasn’t in the best of shape. Every night, she smiled with a heavy heart as Oliver narrated the stories he read. She regretted not being a better grandmother.
After everyone had finished eating, Oliver helped Agnes clean the table before returning to his books and dozing off while reading. Oliver was reading his storybook on the bus the next day when he heard a noise and looked up. He noticed the bus driver yelling at a woman wearing thick, black glasses as she begged him to let her ride the bus. “You’d better get down, ma’am,” the driver said flatly. “I’m tired of people making excuses not to pay the fare!”
“I’m not lying, son,” she begged. “Please assist me! Someone at the hospital will pay you!” “OUT!” yelled the driver, unconcerned. “Others have tried it before. Don’t squander my time.” Knowing she couldn’t persuade the driver, the older woman was about to get out, bracing herself for the bitter winds blowing across the city, when Oliver intervened. “I’ll pay her fare, sir!” he exclaimed. “Please accompany me, Ma’am.
You are not required to get down.” Oliver assisted the elderly woman who was blind into the seat next to him and paid her fare. He asked her if she was okay when he returned to his seat, and she smiled. “Thank you very much, child,” she expressed gratitude. “You have the sweet voice of a small child!” “I’m a big kid! I am not a child!” Oliver exclaimed proudly. “Hello, my name is Oliver. What became of your daughter?”
“My name is Mary,” she introduced herself. “My daughter has given birth, and I must see her. Oliver, I appreciate your assistance today.” “It wasn’t a problem, Mary,” Oliver said, even though it was. He was saving the money he had spent on the older lady’s fare in order to purchase the next book in the series he was reading. But he couldn’t see Mary in any danger. “Where are you going, Oliver?” she asked abruptly.
Oliver informed him that he was on his way to school, and they conversed briefly before Oliver’s stop arrived and he disembarked. Oliver was fond of Mary. He was reminded of Agnes by her. She listened to him with the same patience as Agnes when he told her he loved books. “I’ll inform Grams about her. She’d be proud of what I accomplished! “As he walked to school, he reflected.
And he did just that. Instead of discussing his books that night, Oliver spoke about Mary and the kind act he had performed for her. “Well done, Oliver,” Agnes said. “How thoughtful of you, honey!” Oliver had no idea that night that he’d meet Mary’s son the next morning. So he was perplexed the next day when a tall man appeared on his doorstep. “Are you Oliver?” inquired the man.
“Yes, I am,” Oliver said as Eve and Agnes approached the door. “How can we assist you, son?” Agnes inquired. “Have you ever met Oliver?” The man grinned. “My name is Jake. I wanted to thank Oliver for his assistance to my mother yesterday. I got your address by asking around the bus stop near your house. I just got something for Oliver…” The man drove away and returned with a box full of books!
When Oliver saw the books, he exclaimed, “No way!” “Did Mary tell you I like to read?” Jake gave a nod. “She did, and I hope your surprise was enjoyable!” “Oh, son,” Agnes exclaimed. “Those had to have cost you more than Oliver did. We simply cannot accept everything.” “Yes, Jake,” Oliver sadly replied. “You can’t buy that many books for $3!” “You’re welcome to keep them all, Oliver,” Jake said. ”
“I’m not sure how much of Oliver’s story you heard, ma’am,” he continued, his gaze fixed on Agnes, “but my Mom hadn’t been able to visit my sister since she was pregnant.” So yesterday’s trip was crucial for her, and it could only have happened because of Oliver. So give me a chance. Please. I am adamant.” Finally, Jake persuaded Agnes to accept the books, which meant a lot to Oliver!
“Mary is fantastic! Please tell her I enjoyed the books, Jake! “The little boy chirped. “I will, buddy!” Jake exclaimed, smiling. “She’ll be relieved to hear that.” After that, Jake had a delicious cup of raspberry tea with the cookies Agnes had made, and he assisted the family with house repairs and electricity supplies after noticing their difficulties. Of course, Agnes objected, but Jake persuaded her and assisted them once more.